“It’s that quality that makes Castle Beach the runaway winner and the Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2019.”

WALES: Have you ever been to the Castle Beach in Tenby? (Image: GETTY)

Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Welsh Government's deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, said the news was a huge boost for the whole country.

He explained: “It is excellent news for Wales – right at the start of the summer holidays – that The Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2019 is Castle Beach in Tenby.

"This must have been a very tough call, with so many amazing beaches in Wales and across the UK. With many more in the top 40, this goes to show the wealth of what Wales has to offer.

"Endorsements in travel media in the UK and internationally is an invaluable way of raising Wales’ profile, getting people to think differently about Wales and hopefully come to visit us soon.”

Meanwhile, Jane Rees-Baynes, who owns Elm Grove Country House near Tenby, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the beach has won this prestigious award – it’s fantastic news for tourism in the town, and for Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“I hope it will encourage even more people from around the UK, and beyond, to come see our award winning beaches and experience what Tenby and the wider county have to offer.

“On a personal note, I have many fond memories of Castle Beach both in the height of summer and during the winter, and I can totally understand why it was named Best Beach in the UK."